Democracy Day: Leaders, CSOs Warn of Democratic Backslide, Demand Reforms

As Nigeria marked 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule on Tuesday, prominent Nigerians, political leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations issued stark warnings about the nation's democratic trajectory. They highlighted that escalating insecurity, poverty, corruption, and the erosion of institutional strength are posing significant threats to the country's democratic achievements.

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The quality of democracy and behaviour of political actors betray the ideas of those who fought and died for democracy in Nigeria.

Among those voicing concerns were former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki; presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi; the National Human Rights Commission; several state governors; and human rights lawyer Femi Falana. Atiku Abubakar lamented that the quality of democracy and the conduct of political actors fall short of the ideals championed by those who fought and sacrificed for democracy in Nigeria. Peter Obi urged citizens to use the occasion to reflect on the nation's democratic journey and assess whether it still aligns with the aspirations that fueled the historic 1993 election.

Saraki emphasized the critical role of a robust and independent legislature as the primary safeguard against democratic collapse. Meanwhile, Femi Falana marked the day by staging a public protest to draw attention to the current state of the nation. In contrast, Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for national unity and support for ongoing efforts to combat insecurity, asserting that the country's 27-year democratic journey should not be jeopardized by those seeking to undermine its progress.

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Nigerians should use June 12 as an opportunity to evaluate the country’s democratic journey and determine whether it still reflects the ideals that inspired the historic 1993 election.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma challenged Nigerians and institutions to collaborate more effectively to defend democracy, framing it as a sacred covenant. Governors from Nigeria's North-West region pledged concrete, time-bound actions to alleviate multidimensional poverty and enhance living conditions, particularly for women and children. The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, representing traditional rulers, urged the federal government to intensify efforts against insecurity, banditry, and kidnapping, which he identified as major impediments to peace and development.

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A strong and independent legislature remains the most effective safeguard against democratic collapse.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also paid tribute, while governors from the North-West region committed to new actions targeting poverty and social protection. The collective message underscored a deep-seated concern that despite the longevity of uninterrupted democratic rule, Nigeria still faces substantial challenges in fully realizing its democratic potential and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.

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The country’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule must not be undermined by forces seeking to derail its progress.